SCS/SB 907 - This act creates a right to unpaid leave for employees that are affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking. Any person employed by a public employer or private employer with at least 15 employees is entitled to unpaid leave if the person, or a family or household member, is a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking. Domestic violence is defined as abuse or stalking committed by a family or household member. Such individuals are entitled to 2 weeks of leave per year if their employer employs at least 50 employees and 1 week per year if their employer employs at least 15 but not more than 49 employees.
Employees are required to give 48 hours notice of the intent to take such leave and may be required to provide certification to the employer that such leave is necessary. Permissible reasons for taking leave include seeking medical attention, recovering from injury, obtaining victim services, obtaining counseling, participating in safety planning, and seeking legal assistance.
On return from leave, employees are to be restored to the same or equivalent employment position and shall not lose accrued benefits. Employers are required to maintain health coverage for the employee while on leave but the premium may be recovered if the employee does not return.
This act is similar to HB 2342 (2016), SB 130 (2015), SB 712 (2014), and SB 367 (2013).
SCOTT SVAGERA